Three Horseshoes pub in Helions Bumpstead faces a brighter future after being shut for more than four years

Residents and friends of Helions Bumpstead have now instructed solicitors to purchase the Three Horseshoes pub and commenced their search for a tenant.

This follows a campaign lasting more than four years' - the length of time the pub has been closed, to raise the funds to buy it.

The funds for the pub were generated through a community share offer launched in 2017 by the Helions Bumpstead Community Benefit Society which raised a total of more than £280,000, supplemented by a £100,000 loan/grant from the Plunkett Foundation.

Richard Russell, chairman of the campaign committee, said: "It is truly amazing that so many have chosen to invest in the pub and, by implication, in the future of the village.

Villagers outside the Three Horseshoes in Helions Bumpstead. (5395539)

"This outcome would not have been possible without massive and widespread support.

"The engagement of the owners, Jack and Ann Jennings has been equally crucial- without their support and co-operation we could not have reached this stage."

Although most investors are resident in the village a sizeable proportion come from former villagers living further afield, including in Scandinavia, Australia, Ireland and Dubai.

The Three Horseshoes has its origins in the 19th century. Originally a terrace of three cottages, it was once home to the families of the men who worked in the adjacent blacksmith's forge.

It is now the only pub remaining in the village and it was widely felt that its permanent closure would have deprived the community of its most important social asset.

It is intended that the revitalised Three Horseshoes will become more than a pub, providing a community hub for patrons of all ages and combatting social isolation.

The search for a tenant has now begun in earnest.

The village is looking for a candidate who will buy into the community vision whilst making a good living from a successful business running the pub.

Details of the opportunity can be found on the website of the Society: www.helionscommunitypub.co.uk